Top Things to do in Port Chalmers
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Things to do in Port Chalmers, South Island: The Best Day Trips from
Discover the best top things to do in Port Chalmers, New Zealand including Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & a Guided Penguin Reserve Tour, Iconic Shore Excursion: Coastal Adventure to the Moeraki Boulders , Dunedin Shore Excursion: Wildlife Cruise & Yellow Eyed Penguins, Iconic Shore Excursion: Small Group Larnach Castle Tour, Dunedin City, Wildlife and Scenery Tour, Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour, Dunedin Shore Excursion - Sightseeing, Larnach Castle, Chinese Garden & Museum, Otago Peninsula Scenic, City Highlights and Wildlife Tour, Dunedin Shore Excursion: Sights, Glenfalloch Gardens, Chinese Gardens & Museum, Dunedin Shore Excursion: Wildlife Cruise & Royal Albatross Centre.
1. Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & a Guided Penguin Reserve Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
You will be joining a small group tour and go to places that bigger buses cannot go. You will have personalised attention and will see the most special parts of Dunedin and Otago peninsula.
Inclusions: Bottled water, GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions: Snacks, Lunch
Reviewed By R3420VWdebbiee
An excellent tour of Dunedin City with a friendly and very knowledgeable your guide. Asta went out of her way to make it a special experience.
2. Iconic Shore Excursion: Coastal Adventure to the Moeraki Boulders
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Small group tour that will pack in a lot of attractions in the time allowed. A lot of planning goes into each and every tour to ensure the best experience possible.
Inclusions: Entrance fee to the Moeraki Boulders beach access is included, Entry fee to Orokonui Ecosanctuary included
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Truejaffa
We would thoroughly recommend using Iconic Tours. And here’s why. Last week we visited the Catlins with Kim from Iconic Tours. The Catlins had been on our bucket list for some time but we had never managed to get there until now. We had heard accommodation and cafes were in short supply down there and we wanted to ensure we didn't miss any highlights so we opted for a tour instead of self drive. Kim collected us from the airport in a comfortable air conditioned sedan and drove us into the city, pointing out places of interest as we went. He did a brief tour around the city centre, took us up to our accommodation in Roslyn and waited while we dropped our bags off, then dropped us back at the i- site. We spent the next 3 days exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula which we really enjoyed. But the best was yet to come! Kim is a great driver and guide and he packed a lot into our 2 day Catlins tour, while never rushing or hurrying us. He is knowledgeable and articulate with a keen interest in the history of places and the local flora and fauna. As he was doing the driving we were able to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery, and no need to worry if we had missed a turn off or if the road or a café were closed – he had all the local knowledge to adapt if necessary. But here’s a tip- allow 3 days , there is so much to see and do. He drove us down unsealed roads that we wouldn't have ventured on and the sights at the end were remarkable. We had walked the length of Cannibal Bay, admiring the sea lions basking on the sand and were about to head back to the car when Kim spotted a dark shape in the water . It was a huge sea lion swimming into the shallows, then walking up the beach and flipping onto the sand. Awesome. That was a highlight for us as was standing on the beach at Curio Bay in the dusk watching a lone Hoiho penguin make his way up the beach towards his nest. Our breakfast at the Tumu Toka Curio Bay cafe and our dinner at the Niagara Falls restaurant were culinary standouts. Superb service and delicious food. When we arrived at our beach front unit Kim brought in a platter of cheese and crackers and a bottle of bubbly to share with us as we reviewed the day. We then had a short rest, dinner then another visit to the beach to wait for the arrival of the little Hoiho, the rarest penguin in the world. Covered in the price of our tour was our accommodation at Curio Bay (which was a comfortable studio unit right on the beach) plus morning teas, lunches and a cooked breakfast and museum entries etc, plus of course a driver/guide. Kim managed to pack in a tremendous amount of things each day from walks through native bush to see amazing waterfalls, seeing the petrified forest and visits to museums to watching fur seals on the rocks. Kim also does Stewart Island tours and we've got that in mind for the future as we couldn't imagine a better tour guide. And the Catlins? Pristine, uncrowded, an awesome experience.’
3. Dunedin Shore Excursion: Wildlife Cruise & Yellow Eyed Penguins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Combine a Monarch Wildlife Cruise with its excellent display of marine wildlife and a guided tour of a Yellow-eyed Penguin Colony located in an isolated cove on the Otago Peninsula. While your cruise ship is berthed at Port Chalmers, enjoy an informative and entertaining sightseeing tour of Dunedin City before joining your wildlife cruise where you can see fur seals, little blue penguins, albatross, and more. Following your cruise make a stop for a quick lunch break and then make your way to the unique and isolated Yellow-eyed Penguin breeding colony with Nature Wonders.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver/guide, Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Entrance Fees & Guided Tours, Port pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drink, Gratuities
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
4. Iconic Shore Excursion: Small Group Larnach Castle Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 26 reviews
Enjoy a personalized small group tour of Larnach Castle and Dunedin City. This is a 6 to 7 hour fully guided tour that lets you explore Dunedin and Larnach Castle at a leisurely pace. Included is a fully guided tour of Larnach Castle's unique interior. Light refreshments and chilled water are included. The tour takes in many interesting buildings and landmarks in Dunedin city such as the Larnach family tomb, the old University and all the main city attractions. The drive to Larnach Castle offers spectacular views from the Otago Peninsula with a lookout stop along the way. On arrival at Larnach Castle, your table will be reserved for lunch at the Ballroom cafe (lunch is own cost). After lunch and the guided tour inside the Castle, your guide will also take you through the award winning gardens offering fantastic views over the Otago Harbour.
Inclusions: Light refreshments, Port pickup and drop-off, Guided tour of Larnach Castle
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Truejaffa
We would thoroughly recommend using Iconic Tours. And here’s why. Last week we visited the Catlins with Kim from Iconic Tours. The Catlins had been on our bucket list for some time but we had never managed to get there until now. We had heard accommodation and cafes were in short supply down there and we wanted to ensure we didn't miss any highlights so we opted for a tour instead of self drive. Kim collected us from the airport in a comfortable air conditioned sedan and drove us into the city, pointing out places of interest as we went. He did a brief tour around the city centre, took us up to our accommodation in Roslyn and waited while we dropped our bags off, then dropped us back at the i- site. We spent the next 3 days exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula which we really enjoyed. But the best was yet to come! Kim is a great driver and guide and he packed a lot into our 2 day Catlins tour, while never rushing or hurrying us. He is knowledgeable and articulate with a keen interest in the history of places and the local flora and fauna. As he was doing the driving we were able to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery, and no need to worry if we had missed a turn off or if the road or a café were closed – he had all the local knowledge to adapt if necessary. But here’s a tip- allow 3 days , there is so much to see and do. He drove us down unsealed roads that we wouldn't have ventured on and the sights at the end were remarkable. We had walked the length of Cannibal Bay, admiring the sea lions basking on the sand and were about to head back to the car when Kim spotted a dark shape in the water . It was a huge sea lion swimming into the shallows, then walking up the beach and flipping onto the sand. Awesome. That was a highlight for us as was standing on the beach at Curio Bay in the dusk watching a lone Hoiho penguin make his way up the beach towards his nest. Our breakfast at the Tumu Toka Curio Bay cafe and our dinner at the Niagara Falls restaurant were culinary standouts. Superb service and delicious food. When we arrived at our beach front unit Kim brought in a platter of cheese and crackers and a bottle of bubbly to share with us as we reviewed the day. We then had a short rest, dinner then another visit to the beach to wait for the arrival of the little Hoiho, the rarest penguin in the world. Covered in the price of our tour was our accommodation at Curio Bay (which was a comfortable studio unit right on the beach) plus morning teas, lunches and a cooked breakfast and museum entries etc, plus of course a driver/guide. Kim managed to pack in a tremendous amount of things each day from walks through native bush to see amazing waterfalls, seeing the petrified forest and visits to museums to watching fur seals on the rocks. Kim also does Stewart Island tours and we've got that in mind for the future as we couldn't imagine a better tour guide. And the Catlins? Pristine, uncrowded, an awesome experience.’
5. Dunedin City, Wildlife and Scenery Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 20 reviews
Explore spectacular Dunedin city and Otago Peninsula on this full-day small group tour (6 people max). Visit Baldwin St (steepest street in the world), the University of Otago and Dunedin’s famous Scottish heritage sites. Then we will travel alongside the picturesque Otago harbour and take a coffee break at the beautiful and historic Larnach Castle. We then head across to Sandfly Bay and take the track down to the viewing platform to spot local wildlife. We then drive through typically rugged and beautiful Otago wilderness to Hoopers Inlet swamp to observe the unique birdlife. We then drive to Tairoa Head to visit the penguin colony at Pilot Beach and the albatross sanctuary.
Inclusions: Hotel (Dunedin City) / Port Chalmers pickup and drop-off, Entrance fee ($17) to Larnach Castle Garden, Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch
6. Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 68 reviews
Discover top attractions and iconic sites around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take in key sites of interest such as the World famous Baldwin Street, University of Otago, Olveston Homestead gardens and Dunedin's Grand Railway Station. Awesome lookouts over Otago Harbour and from Signal Hill. Visit the Octagon (city centre) for some shopping and a bite to eat. All transport to and from the cruise ship wharf is included. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 20 people. Daily departures are available for cruise passengers and city-based passengers.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide, Port or Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water, Light refreshments
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Truejaffa
We would thoroughly recommend using Iconic Tours. And here’s why. Last week we visited the Catlins with Kim from Iconic Tours. The Catlins had been on our bucket list for some time but we had never managed to get there until now. We had heard accommodation and cafes were in short supply down there and we wanted to ensure we didn't miss any highlights so we opted for a tour instead of self drive. Kim collected us from the airport in a comfortable air conditioned sedan and drove us into the city, pointing out places of interest as we went. He did a brief tour around the city centre, took us up to our accommodation in Roslyn and waited while we dropped our bags off, then dropped us back at the i- site. We spent the next 3 days exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula which we really enjoyed. But the best was yet to come! Kim is a great driver and guide and he packed a lot into our 2 day Catlins tour, while never rushing or hurrying us. He is knowledgeable and articulate with a keen interest in the history of places and the local flora and fauna. As he was doing the driving we were able to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery, and no need to worry if we had missed a turn off or if the road or a café were closed – he had all the local knowledge to adapt if necessary. But here’s a tip- allow 3 days , there is so much to see and do. He drove us down unsealed roads that we wouldn't have ventured on and the sights at the end were remarkable. We had walked the length of Cannibal Bay, admiring the sea lions basking on the sand and were about to head back to the car when Kim spotted a dark shape in the water . It was a huge sea lion swimming into the shallows, then walking up the beach and flipping onto the sand. Awesome. That was a highlight for us as was standing on the beach at Curio Bay in the dusk watching a lone Hoiho penguin make his way up the beach towards his nest. Our breakfast at the Tumu Toka Curio Bay cafe and our dinner at the Niagara Falls restaurant were culinary standouts. Superb service and delicious food. When we arrived at our beach front unit Kim brought in a platter of cheese and crackers and a bottle of bubbly to share with us as we reviewed the day. We then had a short rest, dinner then another visit to the beach to wait for the arrival of the little Hoiho, the rarest penguin in the world. Covered in the price of our tour was our accommodation at Curio Bay (which was a comfortable studio unit right on the beach) plus morning teas, lunches and a cooked breakfast and museum entries etc, plus of course a driver/guide. Kim managed to pack in a tremendous amount of things each day from walks through native bush to see amazing waterfalls, seeing the petrified forest and visits to museums to watching fur seals on the rocks. Kim also does Stewart Island tours and we've got that in mind for the future as we couldn't imagine a better tour guide. And the Catlins? Pristine, uncrowded, an awesome experience.’
7. Dunedin Shore Excursion - Sightseeing, Larnach Castle, Chinese Garden & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
A unique opportunity to experience the very best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer. This shore excursion combines sightseeing of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula with a guided tour of the stunning Larnach Castle and its grounds. Also included is Dunedin’s Chinese Gardens: an authentic Chinese Garden crafted by a team of artisans and craftsman from Dunedin’s sister city of Shanghai. Adjacent to the gardens, explore the Otago Early Settlers Museum with emphasis on the early settlement of Otago.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Port pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food & Drinks, Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
8. Otago Peninsula Scenic, City Highlights and Wildlife Tour
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 13 reviews
Experience the beauty of Dunedin in a small group, designed to have the most personalized attention. Join a fantastic 5-6 hour tour of Dunedin city highlights, spectacular scenery and unique wildlife. You will experience gorgeous and memorable scenery of Otago Peninsula with amazing beaches, bays. Your knowledgeable guide will show you the most breathtaking views and take you closer to nature and surrounding wildlife. The tour will be enriched by one hour wildlife boat cruise at Taiaroa Head. (subject to availability) You will see uninterrupted views of the world's only mainland nesting place of albatross.You may be lucky enough to see the Northern Royals soaring and banking on three metre wings. Your guide will show you rich heritage of the city with plenty photo stops: Baldwin Street, Signal Hill Lookout Point, Dunedin Botanic upper garden, Otago University, Octagon, First Church, Dunedin Railway station.
Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned van, Driver/guide, Bottled water, Live commentary on board
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By R3420VWdebbiee
An excellent tour of Dunedin City with a friendly and very knowledgeable your guide. Asta went out of her way to make it a special experience.
9. Dunedin Shore Excursion: Sights, Glenfalloch Gardens, Chinese Gardens & Museum
A must-do for garden enthusiasts! This Dunedin shore excursion includes a guided tour of the stunning Glenfalloch Gardens, with a delicious morning tea included, and a sightseeing tour of Dunedin City with entertaining commentary and time to explore on your own. Also there will be visits to both the beautiful Chinese Gardens and historic Otago Early Settlers Museum before returning you to your cruise ship in Port Chalmers.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Morning Tea, Entrance Fees, Driver/guide, Port pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drink, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
10. Dunedin Shore Excursion: Wildlife Cruise & Royal Albatross Centre
A must-do for nature lovers! While your cruise ship is berthed in Port Chalmers, join us for a tour of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula followed by a wildlife cruise of the Otago Harbour which showcases a host of marine animals along with a fully guided tour of the Royal Albatross Centre with viewings of the rare Royal Albatross.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver/guide, Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Entrance Fees & Guided Tours, Port pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drink, Gratuities
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
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